One dead as train derails in Gazipur; locals suspect sabotage
A man was killed and ten others were injured as seven coaches of a train derailed in the Bankharia area at the outer signal area of Gazipur Railway Station early on Wednesday.
The deceased was identified as Aslam Hossain, 35, a grocery shopkeeper from Mymensingh's Gafargaon upazila.
The train's loco master Emdadul Haque and assistant loco master Sajib Mia sustained severe injuries in the incident, Joydevpur Railway police station Inspector Shahidul Islam confirmed.
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Joydebpur Railway Station Master Hanif Ali said that five coaches of the Dhaka-bound 'Mohonganj Express' from Mymensingh derailed around 4:30am, leading to the tragic outcome. A firefighting unit promptly responded to the scene and conducted a rescue operation.
Local eyewitnesses described the accident site as an isolated area surrounded by dense forests on both sides of the railway line. They alleged that miscreants deliberately severed a section of the railway track between Rajendrapur and Bhawal railway stations on the Dhaka-Mymensingh route.
As a consequence, the Mohanganj Express, en route from Mohanganj in Netrokona to Kamalapur in Dhaka, derailed just before reaching Bhawal railway station, before crossing Rajendrapur station. This incident prompted the suspension of train services between Joydebpur and Mymensingh.
With the Tongi-Mymensingh railway line closed, trains are rerouted from Dhaka to Mymensingh via an alternative route through Bhairab Bazar and Kishoreganj.
Speaking to The Business Standard, Dhaka Railway Station Manager Masud Sarwar mentioned that intercity trains are operational on alternative routes, albeit experiencing some delays. However, three privately managed commuters have been cancelled due to the circumstances.
Three investigation committees have been formed to probe the incident. Gazipur district administration, the Ministry of Railways, and the Dhaka divisional office of the East zone of Bangladesh Railways each have their respective committees. The committees have been tasked with presenting their reports within the next three working days.
Police are also investigating whether the derailment was an accident or an act of sabotage.
BNP denies involvement
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, senior joint secretary general of BNP, issued a statement expressing profound concern and condemning the incident as an act of sabotage. He refuted attempts to associate pro-democracy groups with the incident, calling such claims "deeply conspiratorial."
He also demanded an impartial judicial inquiry into the incident and emphasized that those responsible for such actions are enemies of humanity.
